Security tightens ahead of 48th ASEAN Leaders Summit in the Philippines

Philippine authorities have stepped up security in Cebu ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Leaders Summit, deploying additional police across key areas and major roads. The move comes as regional tensions and economic pressures heighten expectations for discussions on energy, food security, and the long-stalled South China Sea code of conduct.

Adrian Portugal/Reuters

May 06, 2026

Security tightens ahead of 48th ASEAN Leaders Summit in the Philippines

A screengrab photo in video showing ASEAN International Media Center Building of the Philippines.

Reuters

Philippine authorities stepped up security measures in Cebu on Wednesday (May 6) as parts of the city had a visible increase in police presence ahead of the ASEAN Leaders Summit.

Additional police officers were deployed around key areas near the summit venue, with security personnel stationed along major roads and public spaces as preparations for the meeting intensified.

The two-day summit is set to bring together leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as dialogue partners.

Pressure on regional leaders has intensified since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran at the end of February, which have driven up energy, food and fertiliser costs across Southeast Asia. ASEAN governments have already held special ministerial meetings on energy, economic coordination and food security ahead of the summit.

Discussions are also expected to include efforts to revive a long‑stalled Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, as tensions between Manila and Beijing have risen steadily in recent months, although expectations for any meaningful breakthrough remain limited.

-Adrian Portugal/Reuters